Air-Frying Arancini: A Healthy Twist On A Classic

Yes, you can cook arancini in an air fryer! Arancini, or Italian rice balls, are a tasty and easy snack to make in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside, with a soft, creamy centre of rice and cheese. You can use any type of breadcrumbs you like, and you can even make them without eggs. You can also freeze them to fry later. They are best served hot and fresh, but you can keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for a few days.

Air fryer arancini recipe

Air fryers are a great way to make arancini, or fried rice balls, that are full of flavor and make a wonderful appetizer. They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. You can serve them with a dipping sauce such as pesto, marinara, or meat sauce.

Ingredients:

• Risotto
• Breadcrumbs
• Cheese (mozzarella, fontina, or parmesan)
• Butter
• Eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Italian seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

• Cook the risotto according to your preferred recipe. You can add butter, cheese, and other ingredients of your choice to make it more flavorful.
• Allow the risotto to cool down.
• Prepare the filling by cutting the cheese into small cubes or shredding it.
• Using a large cookie scoop (about 1/4-1/3 cup), roll the risotto into balls.
• Press down on each ball, stuff it with cheese, and then close it back up. You can also add a small cube of mozzarella to the center of each ball for a melty surprise.
• Place the stuffed risotto balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
• Prepare the breading station by pouring breadcrumbs into a bowl, baking dish, or plate. You can use any type of breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give a crunchier texture.
• Beat an egg lightly in a separate bowl. You can add some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the egg mixture if desired.
• Remove the risotto balls from the refrigerator and roll them in the beaten egg.
• Coat the risotto balls evenly with the breadcrumbs.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 187°C and 200°C (370°F to 400°F).
• Place the breaded risotto balls in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Spray the arancini with olive oil to help them brown and become crispy.
• Air fry the arancini for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking and spraying again with olive oil.
• Increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and air fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Remove the arancini from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
• Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

You can also freeze the prepared arancini balls and then air fry them directly from frozen. They will likely need a few extra minutes to cook through and brown.

How to make arancini in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook arancini in an air fryer! These fried rice balls are full of flavour and make a wonderful appetizer or side dish. They are also a great way to use up leftover risotto or rice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make arancini in an air fryer:

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice (any type of rice will work, but it should be cooked and cooled before you start)
• Breadcrumbs (any type will work, but panko breadcrumbs will give a crunchier texture)
• Cheese (mozzarella, Parmesan, or any other melty cheese like fontina or provolone)
• Butter (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Eggs (optional, as a binder for the rice mixture)
• Oil (for spraying the air fryer basket and arancini)

Method:

• In a large bowl, mix the rice, cheese, butter, salt, and pepper. If using eggs, beat 2 eggs lightly and stir them into the mixture.
• Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 20 minutes.
• Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. If using cheese, press a cube of mozzarella into the centre of each ball and reshape.
• In a separate dish, combine the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Roll the rice balls in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are well coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to between 360-380°F (187-200°C).
• Place the arancini in the air fryer basket and spray with oil.
• Cook the arancini for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying with more oil on the other side.
• Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until browned and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
• Serve hot and fresh, as they are crispiest when freshly cooked. You can also serve them with a dipping sauce such as pesto, marinara, or meat sauce.

Freezing Instructions:

You can easily freeze the prepared arancini balls before frying. Place them on a tray and freeze for a couple of hours until hard. Then, transfer the frozen balls into a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, place the frozen arancini directly into the air fryer basket and cook from frozen. They may need a couple of extra minutes to cook through.

How long to cook arancini in an air fryer

Air fryer arancini is a great way to use up leftover rice and other ingredients. It is a tasty, popular appetizer or party snack. The time it takes to cook arancini in an air fryer depends on the model of the air fryer, the number of rice balls, and the size of the balls. Arancini are done when they are evenly golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the cheese is melted and gooey on the inside.

To make arancini in an air fryer, first prepare the rice balls by mixing cooked rice with cheese, herbs, and any other desired fillings. Then, roll the rice balls in flour, dip them in beaten eggs, and coat them with seasoned breadcrumbs. Place the breaded rice balls in the air fryer basket and spray them with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually to around 350-400 degrees F (187-200 degrees C). Cook the arancini for about 6-9 minutes at this higher temperature, and then lower the temperature to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and cook for another 5-7 minutes. The total cooking time is typically around 15 minutes.

If you are cooking frozen arancini, it may take longer than the mentioned time. It is recommended to freeze the arancini uncooked and then air fry them directly from frozen. Reheating arancini in the air fryer can be done at 350 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes.

Can you freeze arancini before air frying?

Yes, you can freeze arancini before air frying. Arancini are delicious Italian rice balls, traditionally deep-fried to golden perfection, but you can achieve the same crispy texture with less oil using an air fryer.

To freeze arancini before air frying, it is recommended to flash-freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don't stick together. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. When you're ready to cook, simply remove them from the freezer and cook them directly in the air fryer without thawing. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and heat the arancini for 15-20 minutes, depending on their size. You can also add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to achieve a crispier result.

Some people prefer to fry their arancini before freezing, as freezing and then reheating uncooked arancini can affect the texture of the crispy coating. However, frying them before freezing can make the breading gummy, especially when microwaving from frozen. It is also messier to fry before freezing, as defrosting and then frying them can create a splattering mess.

If you are making arancini from scratch, it is recommended to use short-grain rice for its creaminess, and to combine it with cheese (mozzarella or parmesan), meat, or vegetables. Don't forget to add eggs, as they act as a binder for the rice mixture and help with the breadcrumb coating. Once you have shaped your arancini, you can either cook them right away or freeze them for later use.

What temperature to cook arancini in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook arancini in an air fryer. Arancini, or fried rice balls, are a wonderful appetiser and can be served with any dipping sauce such as pesto, marinara, or meat sauce.

To cook arancini in an air fryer, you should first prepare the risotto balls and coat them in breadcrumbs. Then, preheat your air fryer to between 187°C and 200°C (370°F to 400°F). Place the risotto balls in the air fryer and spray them with oil. Cook the arancini for 10 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. For the final two to three minutes, increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) to make the arancini golden brown and crispy.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer model and the size of the arancini balls. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. Additionally, if cooking frozen arancini, they may require an additional couple of minutes to cook through.

Frequently asked questions